Overflow landed in their spiritual home of Leeds’ soulful DnB scene once again this past week, bringing with them a selection of DnB artists to celebrate their 2nd birthday in style. Alternating between liquid and dark DnB on a monthly basis, with a promise of spine-tingling, hair-raising floor shakers, Overflow has quickly established itself as the go-to night for DnB lovers and has reached new heights over the past couple of years.
For the first time in Overflow’s existence, the Leeds Massive were treated to a true pioneer in liquid as Calibre paved the way for a night capable of warming the typically cold Yorkshire air, hosted by the infamous DRS. The underground venue Wire hosted the night, a choice I was sceptical of at first as it seemed a waste to limit such a line-up to a small capacity. Yet it was well-chosen as its intimacy reinforced the sentimental atmosphere created by the melodies, harmonies and instrumental layers typical of liquid DnB.
From chilled out melodies to peak time dance floor orientated-liquid, Calibre has managed to create a masterpiece in DnB and did not disappoint in his first appearance at Overflow. Arriving towards the end of Loz Contreras set to ‘Snakehips Thang’ was a smooth transition into Calibre’s set, who played a selection of his own work and the glut of songs he has remixed over the past decade. His remix of David Boomah’s ‘Where Do We Go from Here’, a personal favourite, stood out typifying Calibre’s unique soulful simplicity to the delight of the underground ravers. His 90 min set came to an end too quickly, although Pennygiles gritty sound with the help of MCs Mr.Science and Maroose took the night into the early hours with high-tempo. The residents closing off the night and the selection of supporting artists showed how much the DnB scene has grown in Leeds since Overflow’s creation.
[Zahaib Hussain]